These pages are here for you if you’re young, living in Wigan Borough and are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender (LGBTQ) - or if you’re just not sure (questioning) about your sexuality or your gender identity.
This information has been put together with advice and contributions from the BYOU group, a support project for young LGBTQ young people in Wigan Borough. Take a look at the links below to find out more or email b.youproject@wigan.gov.uk
If you’re a young LGBTQ person and want to tell us your story or want to pass on advice to other young LGBTQ people, you can get in touch with this website on LINC2@wigan.gov.uk.
A few facts you might not know
1967: Decriminalisation of homosexual acts in England and Wales.
1969: There is a campaign for homosexual equality.
1985: Chris Smith, the first ‘out’ gay MP is elected.
1988: The Government introduce Section 28 and 2A, which means the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ by local authorities is banned by local authorities.
1989: Lisa Power founds ‘Stonewall’, the organisation which campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people across Britain.
1997: Angela Eagle, the first ‘out’ lesbian MP is elected.
1999: Transgender people are granted employment rights in the UK (meaning you can’t be discriminated against at work because of being transgender).
2003: Section 28 and 2A (the banning of the ‘promotion of sexuality’ by local authorities) are repealed (no longer the law) in England and Wales.
2003: Employment Rights include sexual orientation (meaning you can’t be discriminated against at work because of your sexual orientation).
2005: Civil partnerships are introduced across the UK.
2005: It becomes a ‘hate crime’ in UK to insult or attack someone because of their sexual orientation.
2010: The Equality Act is introduced which protects the rights of individuals and advances equality for all.
2012: It becomes a ‘hate crime’ in England to insult or attack someone because they are transgender.
2014: Marriage for same sex couple is introduced in England.
2016: Wigan Pride was the first ever LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) festival in Wigan Borough!